Built-in crypto wallet could turn Telegram into full-fledged payment platform

23.07.2026    19:55

Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced the launch of Gram Wallet, a built-in non-custodial crypto wallet, which is planned to be integrated directly into the messaging app.

According to Durov, the service is set to roll out in the summer of 2026. Users will be able to make instant cryptocurrency transfers within Telegram without having to install a separate app or switch to a third-party service.

The non-custodial model means that access to digital assets and keys remains with the user, rather than with a centralized operator. This distinguishes the new product from the custodial Crypto Wallet service, which is already available on Telegram and enables the purchase, sale, and transfer of cryptocurrencies through operator-managed infrastructure.

The technical specifications of the new wallet have not yet been fully disclosed. In particular, it is unknown which cryptocurrencies will be supported in the initial phase, in which countries the service will become available, and how network fees will be paid when withdrawing assets to an external blockchain.

The main advantage of Gram Wallet could be its direct integration with Telegram’s audience of over a billion users. Users will not need to create a separate account on a cryptocurrency service, learn a new interface, or search for a compatible wallet on their own.

Transfers of digital assets could potentially be linked to regular messaging, payments for digital goods, purchases in mini-apps, payments to creators, and peer-to-peer transactions.

For Telegram, the launch of the wallet marks a further shift from a traditional messenger toward a super-app model that integrates communication, digital services, commerce, and payments.

The messenger already supports mini-apps, paid subscriptions, digital gifts, the Stars system, and services for creators. Having a built-in wallet can shorten the path between selecting a product or service and making a payment.

This is especially important for mini-app developers. The fewer additional steps a user needs to take to make a payment, the higher the likelihood of a purchase, subscription, or service payment.

The built-in wallet could increase interest in Telegram from games, marketplaces, educational platforms, booking services, financial apps, and digital content creators.

Even if only a relatively small portion of the audience begins using the new service, Telegram has the potential to build one of the largest cryptocurrency wallet user bases in the world.

The TON blockchain and its associated cryptocurrency ecosystem stand to benefit the most from this launch. Telegram previously selected TON as the primary infrastructure for blockchain features, tokenization, and the integration of digital assets into mini-apps.

Growth in the number of wallet users could increase the number of active addresses, transactions, and applications on the TON network. At the same time, the practical use of the network’s native token for paying fees, digital goods, and services could grow.

The Fragment marketplace, collectible gifts, digital usernames, anonymous numbers, and other products related to the Telegram and TON infrastructure could receive an additional boost.

Formally, TON is developing as an independent blockchain ecosystem. Telegram abandoned its initial proprietary cryptocurrency project following a conflict with U.S. regulators in 2020. However, TON’s tight integration with the messenger effectively grants the blockchain access to Telegram’s audience.

For Telegram itself, the crypto wallet could become a tool for keeping users within the app. The more transactions users can perform without leaving the messenger, the higher the audience engagement and the platform’s appeal to businesses.

In the long term, Telegram will be able to generate additional revenue from commissions on partner services, mini-app advertising, the sale of digital goods, and the expansion of its in-app economy.

At the same time, the mass rollout of a non-custodial wallet creates additional risks. Users are personally responsible for safeguarding their keys and confirming transactions. Losing access or transferring funds to scammers usually makes it impossible to recover the assets.

Telegram will need to strengthen its defenses against phishing, counterfeit tokens, fraudulent investment schemes, and scam mini-apps.

Regulatory requirements may pose a separate challenge. Rules governing cryptocurrency wallets, customer identification, and cross-border transfers vary by country. Therefore, certain features may be rolled out gradually or may not be available in some jurisdictions.

The statement regarding commission-free transfers requires further clarification. Internal transactions between Telegram users may not incur a separate fee, but withdrawing assets to external networks is usually subject to a blockchain fee.

Overall, the launch of the Gram Wallet could become one of the most important milestones in Telegram’s development. The messaging app will be able to bring together its audience, payments, and mini-apps within a single environment, while TON will significantly expand the practical use of its blockchain infrastructure.

The project’s success will depend on the simplicity of its interface, security, the geographic scope of its launch, and Telegram’s ability to comply with the requirements of national regulators.

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